A modern Indiana Jones, archaeologist and Ingram Professor of Anthropology Arthur Demarest discussed his study of ancient Mayan civilization at a free public lecture on Tuesday.

Demarest, who started publishing during his undergraduate years, recently completed his 28th season of archaeological field excavations in the jungles, highlands and coasts of Central America.

Throughout his lecture, Demarest painted a picture of Mayan civilization and how archaeologists excavate and work in the historical sites. He combined his research and experiences in order to teach about Mayan culture, at times dispelling some conceptions of Mayan archaeology as portrayed in movies like "Apocalypto" and "Indiana Jones."

"The Mayans are interesting in that they had reached such a height in civilization. It is our goal to understand their secret and help the present-day civilization attain that again," said Demarest.

He then shared recent history of the Mayan area, recounting the difficulties of entering the location during political instability, consequences of over-tourism and movement of indigenous Mayas.

Now regarded as one of the world's leading experts on Mayan archaeology, Demarest has won major grants from a variety of sources such as the U.S. Agency for International Development and the National Institutes of Health.

The Demarests live on site in Cancuen, Guatemala six months of the year.

Currently, he works with the Cancuen Indigenous Community Development Project, which provides humanitarian relief and development to the present-day Mayan population.

"He's an expert who has published probably the best textbook, "The Ancient Maya Civilization," that is out there," said senior Gian Rossi, a student in Demarest's Mayan archaeology class. "It's a blessing to have him as a professor."